Adhesive Underarm Perspiration Pad

ABSTRACT

A perspiration pad for absorbing underarm perspiration and providing deodorant to the underarm is provided. The perspiration pad is configured to be attached to a body proximate the person&#39;s underarm. In one embodiment, the perspiration pad has an absorbent layer with a deodorant. The absorbent layer is attached to a larger sheet or a barrier. The barrier extends beyond the edges of the absorbent layer and has a surface with an adhesive coating for releasably attaching the pad to an underarm. In various embodiments, the perspiration pad is translucent or transparent, has a flesh colored outer surface, or has a surface that receives color imparting cosmetics such as makeup or foundation. The perspiration pad is packaged with a protector that seals the deodorant-embedded absorbent layer to preserve the deodorant for use.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/180,965, filed May 26, 2009.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

This invention pertains to a perspiration pad. More particularly, thisinvention pertains to a perspiration pad configured to apply to anunderarm to absorb underarm perspiration and provide deodorant to theunderarm.

2. Description of the Related Art

The human body has apocrine sweat glands located in the underarm. Theglands are located wherever there is body hair. The apocrine sweatglands produce sweat that contains fatty materials. Bacteria on the skinbreak down the fatty materials, thereby producing an unpleasant odor.

Many people put on deodorant or antiperspirant to combat the moistureand odor caused by underarm perspiration. The application of suchmaterial oftentimes leaves a visible white residue on the skin. Thewhite residue transfers to clothing in the vicinity of the underarms andis considered unsightly. Such transfer frequently occurs when wearingsleeveless tops or shirts.

The clothing worn near the underarm often becomes noticeably wet whenexposed to underarm perspiration. Such wetness often occurs when wearingtops or shirts with sleeves that cover the underarm portion of the body.Long-term exposure to underarm perspiration often discolors fabric. Bothwet clothing and discolored fabric is considered unsightly. Frequently,the application of deodorant and/or antiperspirant is not sufficient tocompletely prevent wetness from perspiration.

Additionally, in some cultures, underarm hair is considered unsightly.Both men and women are known to shave their underarm hair.Unfortunately, the underarm hair grows and must be repeatedly shaved toprovide a clean, hairless appearance.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an underarmperspiration pad that absorbs underarm perspiration and providesdeodorant to the underarm is provided. The perspiration pad has anabsorbent layer. The absorbent layer is attached to a barrier. Theperspiration pad includes an adhesive for attaching the perspiration padto an underarm. The barrier seals the perspiration against the underarmand protects garments worn near the underarm from perspiration.

The perspiration pad is packaged with an outer protector. The protectorforms a seal around the absorbent layer, in one embodiment, byinterfacing with the adhesive. In another embodiment the protector hastwo sheets that form a sealed pocket or enclosure. In such anembodiment, a shield is releasably secured to the adhesive when the padis packaged. By sealing the absorbent layer, the embedded deodorant ispreserved and the absorbent layer is kept clean before the pad isdeployed on the underarm.

In one embodiment, the barrier is a thin, flexible sheet. The sheet iscoated with an adhesive on one surface. The barrier has a matte finishand is colored to match a specific skin tone. In another embodiment, thebarrier receives color imparting cosmetics such as makeup or foundation.In yet another such embodiment, the barrier is transparent whereby theabsorbent layer, which has a colored side to match a skin tone, isvisible through the barrier. In this way the barrier blends with theadjacent skin, thereby camouflaging the perspiration pad and hiding anyhair growing in the armpit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned features will become more clearly understood fromthe following detailed description read together with the drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the perspiration padaffixed to the underarm of a human;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of one embodiment of the perspiration pad;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of theperspiration pad shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of theperspiration pad packaged for use; and

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of another embodiment of the perspiration pad.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An apparatus for a perspiration pad 100 that is affixed to the humanunderarm 104 to absorb moisture from perspiration and provide deodorantis disclosed. It is not unusual for sweat and some types of applieddeodorant to become visible on a person's clothing. Sweat often causesan odor that is sensed by others. The perspiration pad 100 provides abarrier between a person's underarm 104 and their clothing. It alsoprovides a barrier between a person's underarm 104 and the surroundingenvironment. Additionally, the pad 100 covers the underarm hair andprevents it from being seen.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of theperspiration pad 100 affixed to the underarm 104 of a human 102. Asecond perspiration pad 100 is affixed to the human's 102 other underarm104. The perspiration pad 100 surrounds the part of the underarm 104that grows body hair. The illustrated embodiment of the perspiration pad100 is elongated, that is, it is long and narrow with a longitudinalaxis. The perspiration pad 100 is oriented such that its longitudinalaxis runs parallel to the mid-axillary line from the side of the body102 through the underarm 104, or axilla, to the arm 106.

The perspiration pad 100 is sized and configured to surround the area ofthe underarm 104 where hair grows. The area of the underarm 104 wherethe hair grows is an indicator as to where the sweat glands are located;therefore, coverage of this area provides for both deodorizing theappropriate area as well as hiding unsightly underarm hair.

In one embodiment, the barrier 108 has an outside surface 110 thatreceives skin color imparting cosmetics such as makeup or foundation. Inother embodiments, the outside surface 110 is colored to match a skin,or flesh, color or is translucent to show the natural skin coloringthrough the surface 110 and the color of the surface of the absorbentlayer 204 opposite the surface in contact with the underarm 104. In thisway, the barrier 108 blends with the adjacent skin to camouflage theperspiration pad 100 on the body 102 and to hide from viewing any hairgrowing in the armpit 104.

FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom view of one embodiment of the perspirationpad 100. The perspiration pad 100 has a barrier 108. In the illustratedembodiment, the barrier 108 is rectangular. The barrier 108 has anabsorbent layer 204 centrally located on the barrier 108. The absorbentlayer 204 is smaller in both width and length than the barrier 108. Thebarrier 108 is flexible and pliant such that it conforms to the contourof the underarm 104 as the wearer 102 moves.

The perspiration pad 100 has a border 202. The border 202 is the exposedsurface adjacent the edge of the barrier 108 that is not covered by theabsorbent layer 204. The border 202 is coated with an adhesive 206 thatreleasably secures the perspiration pad 100 to the person 106. Theadhesive 206 is pressure-sensitive and/or water-resistant. The border202 is sized to have sufficient adhesive to secure the perspiration pad100 to the person 106 for several hours as the person 106 moves.

In one embodiment, the perspiration pad 100 includes a deodorant that,in various embodiments, kills odor-causing bacteria, inhibitsperspiration, and/or masks underarm odor. The deodorant is isolated toone side of the perspiration pad 100 so that garments worn near theunderarm 104 are not in contact with the deodorant, but are isolatedfrom the deodorant by the barrier 108 on the perspiration pad 100. Thebarrier 108 is impermeable to the deodorant and the products ofperspiration.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of theperspiration pad 100. The absorbent layer 204 is attached to the barrier108. In one embodiment, the absorbent layer is attached to the barrierby the adhesive 206, which extends to the border 202. The absorbentlayer 204 is made from a liquid-absorbent material, such as cotton,unwoven fabric, paper, sponge, etc. The absorbent layer 204 hassufficient capacity to absorb the amount of perspiration typicallysweated by a person 102 for the time that the perspiration pad 100 is tobe worn by the person 102.

In one embodiment, the absorbent layer 204 is impregnated or coated orotherwise embedded with a deodorant. The deodorant is either scented orunscented. In another embodiment the absorbent layer 204 is impregnatedor coated or otherwise embedded with an antiperspirant, either by itselfor as a component of the deodorant. That is, in one embodiment, thedeodorant has anti-perspiration and/or anti-bacterial qualities.

The barrier 108 is made of a material that is impermeable to products ofperspiration, odor, and water. In one embodiment, the barrier 108 is athin, flexible sheet. In one such embodiment, the barrier 108 isresilient such that the barrier 108 stretches to accommodate the normalmovements of the arm 106. The protective barrier 108 is made ofmaterials such as polyethylene, polyvinylchloride, or materials that arerendered impermeable by a coating applied its surface.

In other embodiments, the barrier is a coating applied to the absorbentlayer 204 or a material, such as a liquid, that is applied over theabsorbent layer 204 to enclose the outside surface of the absorbentlayer 204. In such embodiments, to secure the perspiration pad to theunderarm 104 the surface of the absorbent layer 204 includes an adhesivesuitable for adhering the absorbent layer 204 to the skin of theunderarm 204 with such adhesive being permeable to moisture,perspiration, and/or odor.

The perspiration absorbed by the absorbent layer 204 does not passthrough the perspiration pad 100. Otherwise, the perspiration wouldmoisten garments located near the underarm 104. In one embodiment, thebarrier 108 is transparent. In another embodiment, the barrier 108 has amatte finish. In yet another embodiment, the barrier 108 is transparentwith or without a matte finish and the absorbent layer 204 has a coloredsurface that matches a skin color or skin tone and is visible throughthe transparent barrier 108.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of theperspiration pad 100 packaged for transfer and/or storage before the pad100 is deployed onto an underarm 104. Deodorant will often evaporate andlose its effectiveness when exposed to air and moisture. The packagedperspiration pad 100 includes a protector 402 that preserves thedeodorant until the perspiration pad 100 is to be used. The illustratedembodiment of the protector 402 includes two protector sheets 402-A,402-B that form a sealed enclosure that contains the perspiration pad100. The mating edges of the sheets 402-A, 402-B are sealed together toform an impermeable container or pocket that encloses the pad 100. Theprotector sheets 402-A, 402-B are configured to be readily separablefrom each other for removal of the pad 100. The illustrated embodimentalso shows a shield 404 that is positioned adjacent the exposed adhesive206 on the pad 100. The shield 404 prevents the adhesive 206 fromsticking to the protector sheet 402-A. The illustrated configurationallows the pad 100 to be removed from the protector 402 before use. Theshield 404 is then removed from the pad 100 by pulling on the tab 406and the pad 100 is immediately applied to the body 102.

The protector 402 is impermeable to deodorant degrading materials. Theprotector 402, in various embodiments, is made of a material such aspolyethylene or polyvinylchloride or other materials that are renderedimpermeable by an applied coating. The seal joining the protector sheets402-A, 402-B, in conjunction with the impermeable material of theprotector 402, preserves the deodorant. In one embodiment, the protector402 includes a single sheet 402-A that has a surface that is removablyattachable to the adhesive 206 on the border 202 such that theperspiration pad 100 is readily removed from the protector 402 for useby the wearer 102. In such an embodiment, the shield 404 is not present.When the protector 402 is attached to the perspiration pad 100, a sealis formed at the interface between the protector 402 and the adhesive206. The seal, in conjunction with the impermeable material of theprotector 402, preserves the deodorant.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of another embodiment of theperspiration pad 100′. The shape of the perspiration pad 100 has aneffect on the comfort of the wearer. The perspiration pad 100′ has twoends 502 and a central region 504. The two ends 502 are narrower thanthe central region 502. The transition from the central region 502 tothe narrower two ends 502 is angular in such a way that there issymmetry along the longitudinal axis of the perspiration pad 100′. Inother embodiments, one end of the perspiration pad 100′ is wider thanthe opposite end. The wide end is configured to secure proximate thetorso of the person 102 and the narrower end is configured and sized toextend toward the distal end of the arm 106 of the person 102.

In the illustrated embodiment, the angular transition is long and gentlysloped at approximately 20 degrees per side. In other embodiments, theangular transition may be more or less abrupt. In the illustratedembodiment, the shape of the perspiration pad 100′ is an irregularoctagon. In various embodiments, the perspiration pad 100 is round orsquare or another shape to maximize the comfort of the wearer. Theperspiration pad 100 is made in many sizes and configuration toaccommodate a variety of underarm hair patterns.

The underarm perspiration pad 100 includes various functions. Thefunction of absorbing underarm perspiration is implemented, in oneembodiment, by an absorbent layer 204 attached to a barrier 108. Thebarrier 108 has a border 202 that carries an adhesive 206 for affixingthe perspiration pad 100 to the underarm 104 such that the absorbentlayer 204 absorbs perspiration.

The function of protecting a garment from underarm perspiration isimplemented, in one embodiment, by a barrier 108 that covers theunderarm 104 and is impermeable to products of perspiration. In one suchembodiment, the barrier 108 is affixed to the underarm 104 by anadhesive 206.

The function of concealing underarm hair and said absorbent layer 204 isimplemented, in one embodiment, by a barrier 108 that receives colorimparting cosmetics such as makeup or foundation. In one suchembodiment, the cosmetic-receiving barrier 108 is affixed to theunderarm 104 by an adhesive 206. In another embodiment, the function ofconcealing underarm hair is implemented by a barrier 108 that is coloredto match a skin tone. In one such embodiment, the colored barrier 108 isaffixed to the underarm 104 by an adhesive 206. In yet anotherembodiment, the barrier 108 is translucent or transparent such that theskin is visible through the barrier 108. In one such embodiment, theabsorbent layer 204 has a color that is visible through the barrier 108and that color matches or blends with the skin tone or skin color in thearea adjacent the underarm 204.

The function of providing deodorant to an underarm 104 is implemented,in one embodiment, by an absorbent layer 204 that is embedded withdeodorant. The deodorant is provided to the underarm by a barrier 108that secures the deodorant-embedded absorbent layer 204 to the underarm104.

The function of adhering the pad 100 to the underarm 104 is implemented,in one embodiment, by the adhesive 206 on the border 202 of the barrier108. In another embodiment, the function of adhering is implemented byan adhesive on the surface of the absorbent layer 204 adjacent theunderarm 104.

From the foregoing description, it will be recognized by those skilledin the art that a perspiration pad 100 has been provided. Theperspiration pad 100 is presented with an absorbent layer 204 thatcontains deodorant. The absorbent layer 204 is attached to a barrier 108with an adhesive 206 for attaching to the underarm 104. The outersurface of the perspiration pad 100 is colored or capable of beingcolored to match a skin color.

The perspiration pad 100 is packaged with a protector 402 that isimpermeable to moisture and air. The protector 402 seals the absorbentlayer 204 to prevent degradation of the deodorant associated with theabsorbent layer 204.

The size and configuration of the perspiration pad 100 varies accordingto the size of the underarm 104 and the pattern of the underarm hair. Inone embodiment, the perspiration pad 100 is rectangular. In anotherembodiment, the perspiration pad 100′ is irregular with an elongatedshape. Such elongated shape is dimensioned and configured to cover thehairy portion of the underarm 104 by the absorbent layer 204 with roomfor the adhesive 206 on the border 202 to contact skin without hair.

While the present invention has been illustrated by description ofseveral embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have beendescribed in considerable detail, it is not the intention of theapplicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appendedclaims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications willreadily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broaderaspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representativeapparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described.Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departingfrom the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.

1. An apparatus for a perspiration pad, said apparatus comprising: abarrier, said barrier being a thin, flexible sheet, said barrier havingan edge about a periphery of said barrier, said barrier beingimpermeable to products of perspiration, said barrier being dimensionedand configured to surround an underarm hair pattern, said barrier beingdimensioned and configured to be affixed along the mid-axillary line ofthe human body from the side of the body through the underarm to thearm; an absorbent layer attached to a first surface of said barrier,said absorbent layer being dimensioned smaller than a length and widthof said barrier; and an adhesive coating on a border on said firstsurface of said barrier, said border defined by a peripheral edge ofsaid barrier and a peripheral edge of said absorbent layer, saidadhesive coating being pressure sensitive, said adhesive coating beingwater-resistant; a deodorant associated with said absorbent layer. 2.The apparatus of claim 1 further including a shield removably attachedto said adhesive, and said shield covering said adhesive before saidbarrier is deployed onto said underarm.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1further including a protector removably sealing said absorbent lawyerfrom an outside environment to prevent degradation of said deodorant. 4.The apparatus of claim 1 further including a package enclosing saidbarrier and said absorbent layer, said package having a first protectorsheet and a second protector sheet releasably joined at a peripheraledge and defining a sealed enclosure, and said barrier and saidabsorbent layer disposed between said first and second protector sheets.5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said barrier is translucent, saidbarrier has a matte finish, and a surface of said absorbent layerproximate said barrier has a color configured to match a selected skincolor.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said barrier has a surfaceconfigured to receive color imparting cosmetics.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said barrier has a surface with a color that matches askin color.
 8. An apparatus for a perspiration pad, said apparatuscomprising: an absorbent layer dimensioned and configured to bepositioned proximate an underarm of a human; a deodorant responsive toan odor emanating from said underarm; a means for enclosing saidabsorbent layer when said absorbent layer is proximate said underarm;and a means for adhering said perspiration pad to said underarm.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 8 wherein said means for enclosing includes a barriersheet having a length and a width each greater than a length and a widthof said absorbent layer, and said barrier sheet being flexible andimpermeable to said deodorant.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein saidmeans for enclosing includes a coating on a first surface of saidabsorbent layer opposite a second surface of said absorbent layer, saidsecond surface configured to be positioned proximate said underarm, andsaid coating being an impermeable barrier.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8wherein said means for adhering includes an adhesive disposed on aborder of a barrier sheet extending beyond a peripheral edge of saidabsorbent layer, and said border being dimensioned and configured tosecure said absorbent layer to said underarm.
 12. The apparatus of claim8 wherein said means for adhering includes an adhesive disposed on asurface of said absorbent layer configured to be proximate saidunderarm.
 13. The apparatus of claim 8 further including a packagecovering an exposed surface of said absorbent layer, said package havinga first protector sheet disposed proximate said exposed surface of saidabsorbent layer, and said first protector sheet sealing said absorbentlayer between said means for enclosing and said first protector sheet.14. The apparatus of claim 8 further including a means for concealingunderarm hair and said absorbent layer.
 15. An apparatus for aperspiration pad, said apparatus comprising: an absorbent layer having afirst surface and a second surface, said absorbent layer dimensioned andconfigured to position said second surface proximate an underarm of ahuman; a barrier positioned proximate said first surface of saidabsorbent layer; and an adhesive disposed to releasably secure saidperspiration pad to said underarm.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 whereinsaid barrier is a sheet having a first surface, said first surface has aborder defined by a peripheral edge of said sheet and a peripheral edgeof said absorbent layer, said border having an adhesive configured toreleasably secure said sheet to said underarm.
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 16 further including a shield positioned adjacent said border, andsaid shield being releasably secured by said adhesive before saidbarrier is deployed onto said underarm.
 18. The apparatus of claim 15wherein said absorbent layer includes a deodorant responsive to an odoremanating from said underarm.
 19. The apparatus of claim 15 including apackage enclosing said barrier and said absorbent layer, said packagehaving a first protector sheet and a second protector sheet releasablyjoined at a peripheral edge and defining a sealed enclosure, and saidbarrier and said absorbent layer disposed between said first and secondprotector sheets.
 20. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said barrier isselected from a group including a translucent material with a mattefinish, a flesh colored material, and a material with a surfaceconfigured to receive color imparting cosmetics.